In a harrowing encounter on Thursday in British Columbia, Canada, teachers bravely defended a school group against a grizzly bear attack while they were on a trail walk, officials reported.

Inspector Kevin Van Damme from British Columbia’s Conservation Officer Service provided an update via social media, stating, “The group paused along a trail near their community when a grizzly bear suddenly emerged from the forest and launched an attack. The teachers managed to drive the bear away using pepper spray and a bear banger.”

According to CBC News, the attack resulted in injuries to eleven individuals, including young students from the fourth and fifth grades.

The British Columbia Health Services confirmed that two individuals were critically injured, two others sustained serious injuries, and the remaining seven received treatment at the scene.

The unsettling event occurred in Bella Coola, a small town situated over 400 miles north of Vancouver.

The incident happened in Bella Coola, a town more than 400 miles north of Vancouver.

The victims were taken to Bella Coola Hospital and were being transferred to Vancouver for further care, Van Damme said.

Officials were still searching for the bear as of Friday, who they believe may have been previously injured.

“We recognize this incident is distressing for the community. We are in close contact with the Nuxalk Nation as our investigation continues. We thank them for their collaborative efforts to ensure community awareness and shared safety information,” Van Damme said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families, and we wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

Bella Coola is more than 400 miles north of Vancouver in British Columbia. (Google Maps)

Tamara Davidson, British Columbia’s Minister of Environment and Parks, called the teachers who fought off the bear “true heroes,” adding that they were well-prepared, according to the Guardian.